Barranco

The European charm of Barranco is echoed in vibrant colonial building and close proximity to the ocean. Enjoy the art galleries and boutique shops around the plaza. Browse our guide below for essential facts, travel tips, and top attractions for Lima’s Barranco district.

2019 New Machu Picchu Regulations

Timed Entries
Beginning January 1, 2019, limited tickets are available to enter each hour between 6 AM and 2 PM. The hopes in creating this system is to stagger visitor entrances, avoiding large lines to enter and overcrowding once in the ruins. For whichever hour your ticket is for, you have the full hour to enter the ruins. You may not enter before the stated entry time on your ticket. If you arrive after the hour, you will not be permitted entrance into the ruins. For example, a ticket with entrance from 8:00 AM will allow entry only from 8:00 until 8:59.

Length of Time in Ruins
Each ticket is valid for a 4-hour stay in the ruins with only one entry. With the standard ticket to Machu Picchu, you will not be allowed back in after you exit, even if you did not spend the full 4 hours allotted with each ticket. However, following the pathway through the ruins generally does not last 4 hours. A complete guided tour only tends to last between 2 to 3 hours. However, at this time, there are no measures in place to ensure people are exiting within 4 hours and no one verifying the tickets upon exit. This being said, we encourage you to respect the World Heritage Site and exit within the 4 hours.

Keep in Mind
The regulation with the time on the tickets will begin to be enforced from town upon boarding the buses. For example, if you want to go up at 8 AM but your ticket is not valid until 12 PM, they will not let you board the bus. We suggest you arrive to the bus stop at least 1 hour before your entrance time at the ruins.

Attractions

Bajada de Baños

The “bajada” is a short walkway down the middle of a ravine, shaded by olive and willow trees and filled with colonial style homes, that descends from the Lima cliffs down to the sea. In the early 20th century, Barranco was the favorite destination of Limeños who came to bath in the beaches below. Today, travelers and Lima locals alike flock here by day and by night to take photographs, share a drink or a meal, explore the shops and galleries, and walk down for a close up view of the Pacific.

Puente de los Suspiros

Built in 1876 and repaired many times since then, the Bridge of Sighs connects the two sides of Barranco’s eponymous ravine. Together with the Bajada de Baños, it is one of the most scenic places in all of Barranco. According to tradition, any person who sees the bridge for the first time and crosses it without stopping to take a breath will be granted one wish. These days, it’s a popular place for gathering place for couples looking to enjoy the romantic lamplit atmosphere.

Iglesia La Ermita

Another of Barranco’s oldest sites, the Hermitage Church was built in 18th century. According to legend, a group of native fisherman at sea became lost in the dense coastal fog until they suddenly saw a brightly lit cross which guided them to shore. The church was founded in this place and became a pilgrimage site for fisherman and travelers. It was initially a humble construction with adobe walls and a roof of thatched straw and clay. The church was destroyed by Chilean soldiers in the 1881 War of the Pacific, rebuilt and destroyed again in the 1940 earthquake. After this, the church’s was left unrepaired for decades and many old pictures show the collapsed roof. Restoration finally began in 2011.

Hours: Sunday only, 9:00 to 12:00 hrs
Free entry

Barranco Park

Inaugurated in 1898, the Parque Municipal de Barranco serves as the main plaza in Barranco. It is anchored by the Iglesia Santisima Cruz on one side and the Biblioteca Municipal de Barranco on the opposite side. The park is also the main stage for cultural events throughout the year. From here, you can walk west to Pasaje Chabuca Granda and Puente de los Suspiros or east to the pedestrian street Sanchez Carrion for a selection of bars and cafes with live music.

Biblioteca Municipal de Barranco

The Municipal Library occupies the original site of the former city hall building, which was constructed at end of 19th century. The distinctive clock tower was added later. The library was inaugurated in 1922 and it currently holds a large collection of books in Braille.

Location: Barranco Municipal Park

Museo Pedro de Osma

Situated in a beautiful turn-of-the-20th-century Barranquino mansion, the Pedro de Osma Museum displays an outstanding collection of Peruvian viceregal paintings, sculptures, textiles, furniture, altarpieces and silverware. The museum also boasts a contemporary art gallery exhibiting the works of local artists and Peruvian artists living abroad.

Museo MATE

MATE is home to a permanent exhibit of photographs by the famed Peruvian photographer Mario Testino, including acclaimed portraits of Kate Moss and Princess Diana. Testimo is also renowned for the popular series “Alta Moda” showcasing the vibrant color or traditional and ceremonial dress from the Andean highlands near Cusco. Lastly, MATE also promotes local art scene by providing a space where Limeno artists can exhibit their works. After touring the collections, you can eat and drink at Cafe MATE and shop for unique souvenirs at Bodega MATE.

Galeria Lucia de la Puente

Opened in 2002, this Barranco art gallery occupies a restored house on a scenic street and is dedicated to collecting and promoting the works of contemporary Peruvian artists at the local, national, and international levels. Exhibits are changing constantly — check the gallery website for current information. The adjacent Hotel B is a perfect place for art-loving travelers to spend the night.

MAC Lima (Museo de Arte Contemporaneo – Lima)

Lima’s first museum of modern and contemporary art seeks to create a space where the public can experience and interpret the visual arts. The museum building itself was constructed with this purpose in mind. The tree exhibition rooms have large windows that look out to the terraces, a “water mirror” and gardens filled with sculptures. The attached park in open from 9:00 to 19:00 hrs.

Plaza San Francisco

Tiny Plaza San Francisco is worth a visit for its architecture. It is surrounded by typical houses called “ranchos” with plain facades painted in bright color and windows decorated with wrought iron grills. The centerpiece is the church, San Francisco de Asis, first built in the late 19th century and remodeled over the years so that it is now a unique mix of modern and old styles.

Geography

The first homes in Barranco were built around a narrow ravine — “barranco” in Spanish, which is where the district’s name comes from. Like Miraflores further north, the district sits atop cliffs that drop down to the ocean down below. In the summer, the beaches below Barranco get packed with Lima locals looking to enjoy the sand and sea.

Things To Do

Immerse yourself in Barranco’s art and architecture

Barranco is one of Lima’s smallest districts, small enough to explore on foot. As you wander between attractions, you’re sure to stumble upon colonial and republican-style residences alongside colorful street murals. Both of these elements give Barranco its memorable charm. Don’t miss Paseo Saenz Peña and Plaza San Francisco for their unique architecture.

Hit the beach

After a day spent exploring Barranco, take Bajada de Banos all the way down for awesome views of the Pacific Ocean. The stepped walkway is especially busy during the summer, when people flock here to watch gorgeous sunsets. You can sit on the beach or grab an umbrella-shaded table at the restaurant Rustica for food and drinks with views to the crashing waves.

Experience the nightlife

Quiet and laid-back during the day, Barranco comes alive when the sun goes down. The district’s many bars and cafes are host to one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in all of Lima. On Friday and Saturday, Barranco is the place to go to experience “peñas,” taverns where musicians perform criollo and Afro-Peruvian music.

Get cultured

Museums and art galleries abound in Barranco and feature the wide scope and diversity of cultural production from Peru and beyond. On one end of the spectrum, the Pedro de Osma Museum holds a collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from the viceregal period, while MAC-Lima brings it up to the present with exhibitions of national and international contemporary artists working in all media. Also, keep your eyes open for street murals during your exploration of Barranco.

Weather

A tall hill in nearby Chorrillos endows Barranco with a microclimate that is warmer and less humid that the rest of Lima, especially in the winter. Otherwise, weather conditions are similar to Miraflores.

The gray coastal fog called garua is the central feature of the winter months. Summers are warm and humid, but mild considering Lima’s proximity to the equator. In February, the height of summer, you can expect an average maximum of 27 C (80 F) and a minimum of 20 C (68 F).

Hotels

Prolong your immersion in Peruvian culture by staying at one of Barranco’s art-oriented hotels. See our Lima city hotels for more accommodation options.

Hotel B

Linked directly to the contemporary art gallery, Galeria Lucia de la Puente, Hotel B is geared to travelers who wish to experience the charm and elegance of life in a 20th century Barranquino mansion. Distributed between the carefully restored old house and a modern annex, all guest rooms feature tall ceilings, king size beds, vintage furniture, and white marble and glass bathrooms. The common areas are equally gorgeous and include a living room, library, enclosed central patio, reading lounge with coffee/tea service, and a rooftop terrace with full bar.

Second Home Peru

Staying at Second Home in Barranco is like spending the night in an artist’s gallery. And indeed, this Victorian-style mansion tucked down a quiet alley was once the home of Peruvian sculpture Victor Delfin, who continues to operate a studio on the property. The rest of the guesthouse is adorned with paintings and sculptures, making this a delightful place to stay for art-loving travelers. Book early to secure one on the 8 rooms which look out over the Pacific Ocean or to the garden and swimming pool.

3B Barranco

Cozy and comfortable, 3B Barranco is aimed at travelers seeking personalized service and basic amenities at a great value. Located on the northern edge of Barranco district and within easy walking distance of the Metropolitano transit line, this bed & breakfast provides an ideal launch pad to explore Lima’s attractions. The Miraflores neighborhood is also easily accessed on foot (20 minutes) or by taxi (5 minutes).

Travel Tips

Getting to/from Barranco

To/from Lima airport: Barranco is located 40-50 minutes from the Lima airport depending on traffic conditions.

To/from Miraflores: It’s about a 20 minutes (1.6 km) walk along the coastal promenade between Larcomar and the museum MAC-Lima on the northern end of Barranco. Taxi is much faster is you prefer to get around more quickly.

To/from historic center of Lima: Hail a taxi, or save yourself some time and money and catch the Metropolitano bus. Stops in Barranco include Estacion Bulevar (closest to Bajada de Banos) and Estacion Balta.

Getting around Barranco

Covering an area of just over 3 square kilometers, Barranco is entirely walkable. From MAC-Lima south to Bajada de Banos, it’s about 1.5 km (20 minutes walking) — a bit more if you take the lovely

Barranco Museum Ticket

If you’re planning to visit more than one museum in Barranco, be sure to inquire about the Boleto Único, which gets you entry to Museo Pedro de Osma, MATE and MAC-Limafor just S/.32. You can buy it at any of the three museums. The ticket is valid for 10 days and for a single entry to each museum.

FAQs

Should I stay in Barranco or Miraflores?

Miraflores and Barranco are adjacent; you can get from one district to the other by walking along the Malecon or taking a quick taxi ride. There’s not much difference in terms of getting to/from the airport or the Lima historic center. Miraflores is the touristic heart of Lima, where you can will have easy access to a vast number of hotels, restaurants, bars, and where — if you get off the main street — you can examples of historic architecture. Barranco is quieter and more laid-back than Miraflores. There are fewer hotel choices, but no shortage of restaurants, cafes, and interesting architecture. When you walk down the tree-shaded streets, you’ll understand why generations of Peruvian writers and artists have chosen to live here.

Is Barranco safe?

Barranco is as safe as its neighboring district of Miraflores and has all the amenities you could possibly need, from ATMs to supermarkets. In the evening, it also has a vibrant nightlife scene. Stick to the main streets after dark, stay aware of your surroundings, and you should have no problems.

How far in Barranco from the Lima airport?

You’ll need 45 minutes to 1 hour to travel between Barranco and the Lima airport.

Is there a walking route between Miraflores and Barranco?

The Malecon provides a scenic path along the the coastal clifftops of Miraflores. It’s especially popular in the mornings and before sunset when Lima residents come to exercise. There’s one section where the coastal cliffs are interrupted by a deep gorge that is paved with traffic lanes that connect two major highways (Circuito de Playas and Via Expresa). Just follow the curving path inland, cross the bridge overpass, and continue on the path back to the coast.

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